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All bills that passed out of both Chambers of the Georgia General Assembly, were waiting for the Governor's signature during these days out of the Session. HB 189 (D. Buckner) The Rural Tourism Protection Act. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 201. HB 517 (C. Williams / R; S. Frye / D) Downtown Grocery Store Act.
All bills that passed out of both Chambers of the Georgia General Assembly, were waiting for the Governor's signature during these days out of the Session. HB 189 (D. Buckner) The Rural Tourism Protection Act. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 201. HB 517 (C. Williams / R; S. Frye / D) Downtown Grocery Store Act.
All bills that passed out of both Chambers of the Georgia General Assembly, were waiting for the Governor's signature during these days out of the Session. HB 189 (D. Buckner) The Rural Tourism Protection Act. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 201. HB 517 (C. Williams / R; S. Frye / D) Downtown Grocery Store Act.
GOOD, BAD, UGLY BILLS Pages 2-7 Spotlights of the Month Page 8 Community Corner Page 9 H ouse Democrats have been out of the Leg- islative Session for 40 days. All bills that past out of both Chambers of the Georgia General Assembly, were waiting for the Governors signature during these days out of the Session. All Acts will be effective on July 1, 2013 unless otherwise noted. The following Democratic sponsored and co-sponsored bills were signed by Governor Nathan Deal to be enacted into law:
HB 189 (D. Buckner) The Rural Tourism Protection Act. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 201.
HB 21 (M. Oliver) Adoption: Post-adoption contract agreements. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 337.
HB 517 (C. Williams/R; S. Frye/D) Downtown Grocery Store Act. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 294.
HB 150 (R. Bruce) Law enforcement officers; the reproduction of arrest booking photographs. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 188.
HB 283 (B. Coleman/R; M. Kaiser/D) Education; update and revise terminology; provisions. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 335.
HB 338 (J. Wilkinson/R; S. Abrams/D) Georgia Council for the Arts includes HB 297 (D. Buckner/D) State Wild Flower: Designate the Azalea. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 327.
HB 372 (C. Coomer/R; S. Evans/D) HOPE; grant at technical college or university institutions; revise eligibility. STATUS: Signed by Governor on April 24. Now known as Act 38.
HB 451 (C. Smyre) Chattahooche Judicial Circuit; provide for additional judge and HB 506 (C. Smyre) Chattahoochee Judicial Circuit; provide for selection of chief judge. STATUS: HB 451 Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 177. HB 506 signed by the Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 293.
HR 73 (C. Hugley) Mr. Lathan Rydell Word Compensation Resolution STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 319.
SB 122 (Sen. H. Hill/R; D. Douglas/D) Drivers' Licenses; authorize the issuance of a temporary driving permit; noncitizen applicant whose license has expired. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 1. Now known as Act 125. Effective date: 1/1/2014.
Governor Deal Signs Democratic Bills into Law Governor Nathan Deal signs HB 150, the Mugshot Bill sponsored by Rep. Roger Bruce (HD 61). Photo Credit: Chairman Virgil Fludd. GOOD bills received the support of most Democrats or were sponsored by Democrats. BAD bills were opposed by most Democratic legislators, but no caucus position was taken. UGLY bills were opposed by Democratic legislators through a formal caucus position.
HB 78 (W. Willard/R) Crimes and offenses; protection of disabled adults and elder persons (Elder Abuse): Expands criminal protection for elder and disabled adults against sexual abuse and exploitation by updating the relevant language in Georgia law. Enhances law enforcements ability to respond to reports of abuse by moving relevant crimes against elder and disabled adults into the criminal code section most frequently used by law enforcement. Expands and clarifies the mandatory reporting requirements for abuse and exploitation of elder and disabled adults in order to provide a better reporting process and better response by adult protective services and law enforcement. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 3. Now known as Act 132.
HB 105 (D. Ralston/R) (Supplemental Appropriations): The Amended Fiscal Year 2013 budget totals $19.3 billion in state funds and provides for a Mid-year adjustment for Education of $172.7 million. The revenue estimate for this cycle has been reduced by $26.3 million in state funds to reflect an estimated 3.9% growth in revenues for the year ending June 30, 2013. Several cuts, including ones to school nutrition programs and medical education, were restored. STATUS: Signed by the Governor on March 27. Now known as Act 11. Effective date: 3/27/2013.
HB 106 (D. Ralston/R) General appropriations (FY 2014 Budget): The Fiscal Year 2014 budget appropriates $19.8 billion in state funds. The budget fully funds Quality Basic Education for the first time and restores the sparsity grants for education. It also funds elder protective services and child protective services at higher levels than originally proposed in the Governor's budget. However, it fails to address the continued $1 billion deficit in education funding that has led to more than 60% of classrooms having shortened school days and years and over-sized classes. It also continues to increase the employee share of healthcare costs while failing to authorize a cost-of-living adjustment for the 5th consecutive year. The conference committee approved additional funding for several colleges and universities, as well as funding for Grady Hospital and the Morehouse School of Medicine. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 309.
HB 141 (E. Lindsey/R) Kidnapping; certain business and establishments post a model notice to enable certain persons who are the subject of human trafficking to obtain help and services (Human Trafficking): Requires certain businesses (bars, primary airports, bus stations, truck stops, etc.) to post a national human trafficking hotline number. If an establishment fails to comply, law enforcement may notify them and allow 30 days for compliance, or the establishment is fined. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 191.
HB 142 (D. Ralston/R) (Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission): Allows the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission to adopt any rules and regulations necessary and appropriate except they cannot require the reporting or disclosure of more information than required by law. HB 142 prohibits lobbyists from making expenditures for tickets to admission to athletic, sporting, recreational, musical concert or other entertainment events, unless consideration of equal or greater than face value Blue Star Report Page 2
GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support is received. It also prohibits lobbyists from a reimbursement or payment of expenses for recreational or leisure activities. A lobbyist can make expenditure for food and beverages to the House or Senate, standing committees and subcommittees, caucuses of members of the majority or minority political parties of the House or Senate and other approved caucuses. Limits expenses for meals and gifts to $75 per occurrence. HB 142 permits lobbyists to reimburse or pay for actual and reasonable expenses for the member or support staff related to transportation except airfare, lodging, travel, registration, food, and beverages for attending meetings that directly relate to the office duties of a public officer. HB 142 permits lobbyists to pay for admission for members of the General Assembly to a collegiate athletic event if the team is part of the University System of Georgia or a private university or college accredited in Georgia and the event is offered to all members of the General Assembly. HB 142 defines lobbyist as someone for compensation or pro bono advocates a position or agenda on behalf of someone else at a state building, for the purpose of influencing the decision maker who receives compensation or reimbursement in excess of $250. The registration fee for a lobbyist is eliminated. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 134.
HB 143 (D. Ralston/R) (Campaign contributions, disclosure reports): Changes the signing and filing requirements for candidates for county or municipal offices. Instead of filing them with the commission, candidates for county office will now file the required disclosure reports with the election superintendent in the county and candidates for municipal office will file the reports with the municipal clerk in the municipality or the chief executive officer of the municipality if there is no clerk. STATUS: Signed by Governor on April 24. Now known as Act 35.
HB 150 (R. Bruce/D) Law enforcement officers; the reproduction of arrest booking photographs (Mugshot Restrictions): Prohibits companies from charging for removal of mugshot photos from websites or other media. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 188.
HB 156 (J. Neal/R) Electronic pornography; certain acts amounting to unlawfully seducing or enticing a child through use of computer online service (Electronic Pornography): Fills a gap in the Code whereby any person having custody or control of a child who is solicited online for the sexual exploitation of that child will be held criminally liable. STATUS: Signed by Governor May 6. Now known as Act 206.
HB 189 (D. Buckner/D) (The Rural Tourism Protection Act): Requires the Department of Natural Resources to notify cities and counties when considering the closure of a state park or historical site. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 201. This bill was part of the Democratic Caucus Agenda.
HB 242 (W. Willard/R) (Juvenile Proceedings): The Juvenile Justice Reform bill substantially, revises, supersedes and modernizes provisions relating to juvenile proceedings and enacts comprehensive juvenile justice reforms recommended by the Council. Specifically, the legislation supports programs that focus on early intervention and effective alternatives to automatic detention. Also upgrades two specific areas of the law. Status offenders are those children who skip school, run away from home or violate curfew. These are crimes only because of the age of the children. The new law would limit the circumstances under which these children would be held in a detention center and expand the Blue Star Report Page 3
GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support services to help them find a path in life other than crime. In addition, in delinquency cases, which can involve serious offenses, the courts will be given wider latitude to determine appropriate next steps for each child. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 2. Now known as Act 127.
HB 244 (R. Nix/R) (Elementary and Secondary Education; annual performance evaluations): Revises certain provisions relating to annual performance evaluations. It provides for the development of an evaluation system, no later than the 2014- 2015 school year, for teachers, assistant principals and principals. This bill lists the evaluation measures as well as a rating system the State Board of Education shall adopt. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 336.
HB 266 (A. Peake/R) Internal Revenue Code (Car Tax Fix): Persons who buy a new or used car as of March 1, 2013 no longer pay an annual personal property tax on the vehicle. New purchases will be subject to a one-time title tax, which includes the sales tax and a title registration fee. HB 266 amended a provision that required drivers who lease a car to pay both the title fee and a monthly sales tax on the lease. STATUS: Signed by Governor on March 5. Now known as Act 8.
HB 283 (B. Coleman/R) Education (Title 20 Clean-up; SSO Transparency): Makes several adjustments and additions to the laws affecting education. Removes the middle grades program in favor of the middle school program, including an adjustment of the QBE formula to account for the removal. Expands how funds could be used in the guidance counselor category. Creates a grant program to provide internet-based learning tools in schools. Increases the reporting and recordkeeping requirements of the parents of homeschooled children. Allows the Office of Student Achievement to create a non-profit corporation to accept donations. Establishes certain transparency rules for the student scholarship organizations (SSOs), which fund private education through state-funded tax credits. Increases SSO cap from $50 million to $58 million but removes the automatic escalator that increased the available funds each year. Makes it a misdemeanor for a board of education member to fail to comply with the requirements of the Voting Rights Act. Prohibits public funds from being used for defense costs against such charges. Establishes a safe harbor for schools and school systems that are not in compliance with its contract. If, at the end of a five year period, the school or school system is able to meet its performance goals, the school is deemed to be in compliance. Provides that a charter school may enroll children who matriculated from a pre-kindergarten program associated with the charter school. Increases the annual reporting requirements for charter systems to include, among others things, a discussion of its authority, training programs, use of funds, and school performance. Provides an additional reason for the termination of the charter of a charter system if it fails to promote school level governance. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 335.
HB 284 (J. Pruett/R) (Return to Play): Requires public and private schools as well as nonprofit organizations that provide youth athletic activities to provide information to parents on the nature and risk of concussion and head injury and to establish concussion management and return to play policies. STATUS: Signed by Governor on April 23. Now known as Act 25 .
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GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support HB 287 (M. Hatchett/R) (Division of Archives and History): Reassigns the Division of Archives and History from the Secretary of State's office to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 184.
HB 350 (A. Peake/R) (Group-care Facility Operators): Subjects all day care employees to national and state fingerprint checks. Current law only requires day care directors to be subject to national fingerprint checks and exempts employees altogether. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 1. Now known as Act 126.
HB 372 (C. Coomer/R) (HOPE Grant for Technical Colleges): Reduces the required grade point average from a 3.0 to a 2.0 to qualify for the HOPE grant. Restores 2010 standards. This bill was originally introduced by the Democratic Caucus as part of its legislative agenda. STATUS: Signed by Governor on April 24. Now known as Act 38.
HB 389 (D. Taylor/R) (Insurance Conversion Rights and Coverage): As of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) effective date, health insurers or managed care organizations shall not be required to offer health care policies under the Georgia Health Insurance Assignment System and Georgia Health Benefits Assignment System. Said insurer may terminate any existing policy provided that they provide at least 90 days notice to the insured and the Commissioner. An insurer may not terminate, cancel or not renew any policy under this paragraph if, at the end of the 90 day cancellation period, the insured would not have at least 90 days of remaining open enrollment to obtain insurance coverage through an ACA exchange. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 278.
HR 73 (C. Hugley/D) (Compensation for Mr. Lathan Rydell Word): Compensates Mr. Lathan Ryndell Word for his wrongful incarceration and establishes a 20-year annuity valued at $400,000. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 319.
HR 107 (D. Sheldon/R) (Joint Study Committee on Medicaid Reform): Creates a joint 18-member study committee for the purposes of evaluating the state's Medicaid program, examining other states' best practices and planning for future actions necessary to sustain appropriate levels of services and funding. STATUS: Signed by Governor on May 7. Now known as Act 315.
SB 24 (C. Bethel/R) (Hospital Medicaid Financing Program Act): Provides the Board of Community Health the authority to set the rate, to assess and to collect a provider payment from hospitals. The funds will be kept in an account separate from the General Fund and may only be used to qualify for federal Medicaid financial assistance. While the General Assembly retains appropriation authority over the provider payment account, any appropriations are limited to use for federal Medicaid financial assistance. The Boards authority sunsets on June 30, 2017. The authority also ends if the federal Medicaid financial assistance is no longer available, or he Department of Community Health reduces Medicaid payments to hospitals. STATUS: Signed by Governor on February 13. Now known as Act 1.
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GOOD BILLS: Democratic Sponsorship or Support BAD bills were opposed by most Democratic legislators, but no caucus position was taken:
HB 115 (T. Dickson/R) Local boards of education; suspension and removal of members under certain circumstances (School Board Lawsuits): Mandates that no tax funds from school districts can be used by school board members to challenge removal by the Governor. Interferes with the right of elected officials to challenge the actions by the state through the judicial process if no crime has been committed. Status: Signed by Governor on May 6. Now known as Act 244.
HB 123 (E. Lindsey/R) Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act (Parent Trigger Bill): Enacts the Parent and Teacher Empowerment Act to convert existing schools to charter schools or to impose turnaround models for low achieving schools. This bill lists those who are able to submit petition to the local school board and the turnaround models that can be imposed. STATUS: Did not pass. SB 160 (previously HB 125) (Immigration Changes): Redefines the 'physical performance of services' and allows for an exception from E-verify reporting for contracts smaller than $2,499.99. Streamlines the business license process for renewals by only requiring the business to submit its federal work authorization user number. It adds to the definition of public benefit by adding retirement benefits and state issued drivers licenses. Updates the citizenship verification process for government benefits by only requiring that verification be provided upon initial application for a government benefit or service. Prohibits use of foreign passports without additional documentation. Creates a new Code section to establish guidelines for the annual immigration compliance report which each agency and political subdivision is required to send to the Department of Audits and Accounts. The additional documentation required for foreign passports conflicts with several federal visa waiver programs and is not necessary. STATUS: Signed by the Governor on April 24. Now known as Act 27. Blue Star Report Page 6
BAD BILLS: Informal Democratic Opposition UGLY bills were opposed by Democratic legislators through a formal caucus position.
HB 361 (E. Lindsey/R) Labor organizations and membership (Right to Work): Reaffirms Georgia as a "right to work" state. It provides that no employer shall deduct from the wages or other earnings of any employee any fee assessment or other sum of money whatsoever to be held for or to be paid over to a labor organization except on the annual written authorization from the employee, which shall not exceed a period greater than one year. Such authorization may be revoked at any time at the request of the employee. Was amended in Senate to prohibit unemployment benefits for seasonal workers. Provision removed in House. Was amended in Senate to prohibit unemploy- ment benefits for seasonal workers. Provision removed in House. Attacks the rights of labor unions. STATUS: Signed by Governor May 6. Act 192
HB 362 (E. Lindsey/R) Public works contracts; governmental entities and Department of Administrative Services; provide certain contracting and bidding requirements (Public Works Contracts): Provides that no state agency, authority, department, commission, board or similar entity that contracts for public works construction shall require the use of unionized labor by the entities with which they contract. Restricts local control and the ability to hire local workers for taxpayer funded projects. STATUS: Did not pass.
SB 101/HB 512 (F. Ginn/R) Safe Carry Protection Act (Expansion of Concealed Carry Locations): Amends multiple sections of Georgias weapons Code to allow for expanded carry rights for license holders and to clean up and clarify language regarding weapons law in this state. Allows for carry in places of worship, bars, on college campuses, in certain government buildings and in K-12 schools for certain school personnel. It also gives more discretion to determine eligibility of an applicant after a mental health waiver is signed. The legislation makes unknowingly carrying a weapon in a non-restricted area of a commercial airport a misdemeanor offense. Finally, the bill gives the power to regulate weapons law to the state legislature. This Act is known as the Safe Carry Protection Act. Expands concealed carry rights into public areas traditionally restricted due to the vulnerability of the populations and the increased likelihood of harm. STATUS: Did not pass.
The Governor had the power to veto a bill, which requires two-thirds of members of each Chamber to override. During these 40 days following the end of the Legislative Session. Governor Deal only vetoed 5 Bills.
The beginning of the next Legislative Session is scheduled for the second Monday in January. For any questions or concerns about the signing of these bills, contact the Governors Office at 404-656-1776. Your participation in the legislative process makes a difference. For more information on these bills and to see the full Citizens Participation Guide, please visit www.gahousedems.com. Blue Star Report Page 7
UGLY BILLS: Formal Democratic Opposition Blue Star Report Page 8 Spotlights Of the Month Rep. Spencer Frye (HD 118) was featured in an Athens Banner-Herald article for holding a town meeting on the Downtown Grocery Act.
The AJC reported on the passage of HB 150, sponsored by Rep. Roger Bruce (HD 61) . The bill would prohibit websites from charging an individual to remove any online mugshots if the person is not convicted.
The Athens Banner-Herald reported on a bill that would create a monopoly for solar power in Georgia, and featured Rep. Carol Fullerton (HD 153) describing her support for the proposal.
The Huffington Post reported on the failure of Georgias campus carry gun legislation. The article featured comments by Rep. Scott Holcomb (HD 81) in opposition to the bill.
Rep. Karla Drenner (HD 85) and Rep. Keisha Waites (HD 60) were featured in an article in The GA Voice for their support of HB 427, which would extend employment discrimination protections to LGBT individuals.
The Macon Telegraph reported on the Macon and Bibb County consolidation task force, featuring Rep. Nikki Randall (HD 142) addressing concerns about the power of the task force.
An article by WMGT Macon covered the First Annual Poverty Summit, which was hosted by Rep. James Beverly (HD 143).
CrossroadsNews.com reported on the passage of HB 284, sponsored by Rep. Billy Mitchell (HD 88). The bill establishes the amount of time an athlete must wait before returning to action after a concussion, and will also educate instructors, parents and coaches on the risks of youth concussions.
Rep. Mary Margaret Oliver (HD 82) was featured in an article by ReporterNewspapers.net voicing concern on behalf of her constituents over the new formation of two cities in North DeKalb.
Gainesville Times featured an article on Rep. Stacey Evans (HD 42) and the HOPE Grant Bill, which was signed by the Governor on April 24, 2013.
Rep. Wayne Howard (HD 124) was highlighted in an article by The Augusta Chronicle about the signing of HB 139, which will allow candidates for sheriff to submit transcripts in place of a diploma to prove high school graduation.
Coverdell Legislative Office Building Suite 408 Phone: Office: 404-656-5058 Fax: 404-656-0114 Blue Star Report @gahousedems /gahousedems www.gahousedems.com Page 9 Community Corner A list of upcoming events in our House Districts:
House District 168 May 11, 2013 Mothers Day Tea in Midway 1:00 pm 3:00pm Midway Museum 491 North Coastal Hwy Midway, GA 31320 RSVP: 912-884-5837
House District 96 May 18, 2013 Secret Garden Tour 10:00 am 4:00 pm 2956 Buford Highway Duluth, GA 30096 770-232-7584 http://www.duluthhistorical.org/
House District 53 May 18, 2013 Shoupade Park Tours 9:00 am 4770 Oakdale Rd SE Smyrna, GA 30080 678-797-2551
House District 66 May 18, 2013 Taste of Douglasville 11:00 am-5:00 pm Historic Downtown Douglasville 6695 Church St. Douglasville, GA 30134 770-949-2787 Did You Know?
The GI Rights Hotline provides accurate, helpful counseling and information on military discharges, AWOL and UA, and GI Rights. The GI Rights Network is a private, nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that answers thousands of calls from military personnel. 1-877-447-4487 http://girightshotline.org/en/